Opinions divided on Sharapova as Slam return looms
new york — Rivals remain divided over Maria Sharapova as she prepares to return to Grand Slam tennis Monday at the US Open after a 15-month doping ban.
The 30-year-old Russian received a wildcard into the field for the year’s final Grand Slam event that starts Monday on the New York hardcourts with the night feature match pitting Sharapova against Romania’s second-ranked Simona Halep. “I don’t think any tennis fan in the world is not going to have that match on. Let’s be honest,” said US 15th seed Madison Keys.
“We all knew it was inevitable she would be back in majors and playing. I’m sure this first round is going to be interesting.”
“It’s once again something really tricky to answer, because I guess when someone has been banned or out of competition, I think you have to work for it a little bit to go and play your tournaments and not help that much sometimes,” Wimbledon champion and Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza said.
That said, Muguruza praised Sharapova as a player, saying, “I think she’s a fighter, great attitude, big fight, spirit on the court. I guess the fans want her back.”
World number one Karolina Pliskova says Sharapova’s return is a positive move. “It’s a good story for the tournament that she’s back. I think it’s going to be a very good match,” Pliskova said.
Defending champion Angelique Kerber said: “She’s back and I think she practiced good the last few weeks and she’s ready to be back.” — AFP